US Bridges

SR1109 over Bowlens Creek

Fair

Yancey County, North Carolina · 0.5 MI.W.JCT.SR1198 · Structure no. 000000001990098

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
950
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1109 over Bowlens Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1109 over Bowlens Creek in Yancey County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 950 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,900 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1109
CrossesBowlens Creek
Location0.5 MI.W.JCT.SR1198
RouteState Highway 1109
CountyYancey County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.88468, -82.28463
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (2021)
Projected traffic1,900 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1109 over Bowlens Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1109 over Bowlens Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does SR1109 over Bowlens Creek carry?

About 950 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1109 over Bowlens Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1109 over Bowlens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.